Iron and Fluoride Simularities

Irons and fluoride are similar in a surprising number of ways. To begin, they are both metals that act  in a similar way when introduced to the body. Humans have long known that fluoride can help to strengthen teeth. Did you know that beaver's teeth naturally go through a type of treatment similar to ours with fluoride? Instead of fluoride, the metal that makes their teeth so strong is iron.

Scientists have long wondered how beaver teeth are so strong. On the surface, they appear to be no different than the teeth of any other mammal. Despite this, no other teeth could hold up as long as beavers teeth given the same circumstances. Recently, scientists took a closer look at the composition of beavers' teeth. In these studies, the researchers found some startling results. As it just so happens, beavers actually incorporate iron into their teeth via the food they eat. This made complete sense to the scientist since beavers consume iron in their primary diet consisting of bark, foliage, twigs and aquatic plants.

To make use of this information, we must first understand a few basics of enamel. Tooth enamel looks like a solid structure to the naked eye. In reality, enamel consists of very small weaves. In this way, the enamel is similar to something hand weaved. The reason for this being hidden in the basic structure of the enamel itself, which formed by threads resting against each other. It's different from weaving in that tooth enamel makes use of its own filling agent that acts as a glue.

The way our bodies go about making teeth increases their strength while giving them their fully solid appearance. This process is also how fluoride works to substitute calcium in the strength of teeth when used in moderation. Beavers are interesting creatures this way in that they have evolved to incorporate iron in their teeth because of how much they use them. This dietary iron consumed by beavers essentially creates a microscopic metal plating that protects their teeth from wear. With this information at hand, is it possible we could apply this metal plating to humans?

There are actually a number of ways a person could introduce iron into their teeth. The biggest issue at the moment comes from color. Even small amounts of iron will change the color of one's teeth. Most would prefer going without than to be stuck with metallic plated teeth.

The scientists in this study stressed that color is really only a small issue. At the moment, iron treatment is a possibility, but it will always come with discoloration. In fact, the same technique could work with any metal. In the end, it's just a matter of time until we discover a dental metal plating treatment.

"Found it!"by NaturesFan is licensed under CC BY 2.0